As the International Agatha Christie Festival approaches, now is a great time to plan your Agatha Christie adventure across the English Riviera.

The International Agatha Christie Festival

The clues are there plainly for everyone to see: The International Agatha Christie Festival is coming to the English Riviera!

From the 11th-18th September 2021, you can expect a series of spectacular events including award-winning authors Anthony Horowitz and Kate Moss in conversation at Torre Abbey Museum, award-winning actress Annette Badland in a special event on board the Golden Hind and the UK professional premiere of a gripping psychological play at the Palace Theatre. Plus, Agatha Christie: Destination Unknown - a brand-new exhibition at Torre Abbey uses her own words, photographs, letters and poetry to tell the story of her second marriage to archaeologist Max Mallowan. 

This year marks 31 years of the internationally acclaimed event and it promises to be the best one yet with over 30 events across seven days in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

Check out the full programme of events here.

Agatha Christie Things To Do

As well as the festival events, you can also enjoy many Agatha Christie landmarks and activities.

Take yourself on the Agatha Christie Mile, a self-guided walking route, created with the assistance of the Christie’s daughter, Rosalind that takes you to places which were important to her early life. With seven plaques to find along the way, it is a picturesque and accessible way of exploring the seafront. If you would rather enjoy a guided walking tour of Torquay and the places that Agatha enjoyed, join the English Riviera Walking Tours on their ‘Gentle Introduction to Agatha Christie’.

Why not take the nostalgic Dartmouth Steam Railway and visit Agatha’s holiday home at Greenway. For something really special, you can stay in the self-catering cottage South Lodge, which is nestled in the woodland gardens of Greenway and was once home to the estate’s gardener.

Experience Agatha Christie’s English Riviera and use our guide to discover the attractions and activities that have an authentic Agatha Christie connection.

Explore Agatha’s beloved English Riviera

During her life, Agatha Christie loved to spend time outside, swimming in the local beaches and playing tennis with her family. The stunning natural environment of the English Riviera provided inspiration for many of her books.

Take a walk along Princess Gardens, which featured in one of Agatha’s most popular mysteries, ‘The ABC Murders’ (1936) where a central character called Mr Alexander Bonaparte Cust sits in a shelter facing Torquay Harbour reading the paper, only to read about a murder.

Just around the corner, you will find Princess Pier where Agatha famously enjoyed roller-skating, and this is, in fact, the subject of one of her most recognisable photos.

Take a trip to one of Agatha’s favourite beaches: Beacon Cove was previously was known as Ladies’ Bathing Cove, and one of Agatha’s favourite place to swim. In Paignton, you’ll find Elberry Cove, another favourite of the Queen of Crime. This cove also features in the ‘The ABC Murders’ (1936), as the setting of Sir Carmichael Clarke’s untimely death.

Agatha Christie Places To Stay

Experience Agatha Christie’s English Riviera and stay in one of the properties that she frequented and inspired her to write her novels. We’ve put together a handy guide to discover the best places to stay, or just visit for the day, that have an authentic Agatha Christie connection. From the appropriately named Grand Hotel where Agatha honeymooned, to the elegant Imperial Hotel where she attended many social functions.

Hurry though, accommodation is booking fast for the festival dates!

With plenty of Agatha Christie Accommodation to suit all budgets and requirements and lots of Agatha Christie Things To Do why not choose Torquay, Paignton or Brixham as your base for the International Agatha Christie Festival and immerse yourself in the Agatha Christie experience.